Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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Biography of William Ravenscroft 1561-1627

Paternal Family Tree: Ravenscroft

Before 1561 [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 18) and [his mother] Dorothy Davies (age 11) were married. She the heiress of her father [his grandfather] John Davies of Broadlane.

In 1561 William Ravenscroft was born to [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 19) and [his mother] Dorothy Davies (age 12).

From 1578 William Ravenscroft (age 17) was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford University and awarded Bachelor of Arts in 1580.

In 1586 William Ravenscroft (age 25) was elected MP Flintshire.

Before 1589 William Ravenscroft (age 27) was a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. He was called to the bar in 1589.

On 28th May 1592 [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 50) died.

In 1597 William Ravenscroft (age 36) was elected MP Flintshire.

In 1598 William Ravenscroft (age 37) was appointed Clerk to the Petty Bag for life.

In 1601 William Ravenscroft (age 40) was elected MP Flintshire.

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

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In 1620 William Ravenscroft (age 59) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1624 William Ravenscroft (age 63) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1625 William Ravenscroft (age 64) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1628 William Ravenscroft (age 67) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

On 27th October 1628 William Ravenscroft (age 67) died unmarried.